“PML-N has executed a number of mega development projects during the past five years to provide relief to the citizens,” he said while talking to a delegation of PML-N parliamentarians and party workers here on Sunday.

The chief minister said that developments projects started during the last tenure to put the province on the path to progress were being carried forward with a new spirit, adding that new records of public service will be set in the coming years.

Shahbaz said that Punjab will be turned into a model province in the next few years.

He said that the government led by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has spared no effort overcome problems and challenges faced by the nation, adding that Pakistan would embark on the road to progress and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of Nawaz Sharif.

The chief minister said that national economy has achieved stability owing to tangible economic policies of PML-N while the country would achieve self-sufficiency in the energy sector soon due to the sincere efforts of the government.

He said that thousands of people had benefitted from the Aashiyana Housing Scheme, Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, Daanish schools, mobile health units, metro bus service, self-employment scheme, Punjab land Record Information and Management System and other unprecedented welfare programmes started during the last five years.

He said that several programmes have also been evolved during the current tenure for the welfare of the poor, adding that provision of direct targeted subsidy to the poorest of the poor families has been finalised and would be launched from January next year.

He said that smart card system will be introduced for providing financial assistance to the deprived segments of the society and 13 lakh poor families will benefit from this welfare programme.

Shahbaz said that subsidy on monthly basis will be given to the poor families through Khidmat Card. He said that health insurance scheme is being initiated for the provision of quality health facilities to the poor masses free of cost.

He said that health insurance scheme is initially being started in four districts of the province while its scope will later be extended to the whole province.

He said that the decision of setting up Punjab Rozgar Bank for the benefit of the youth is a revolutionary step of the government and soft-term loans will be provided under this programme to the youth for setting up their own business.

The chief minister further said that potable water will be supplied to every house during next five years under Saaf Pani Project and a sum of Rs.10 billion will be spent on this project during current fiscal year.

He said that water filtration plants will be set up in the province for the provision of safe drinking water to the citizens.

The chief minister further said that maintenance of peace is of vital importance for speedy development and promotion of investment in the province and solid measures have been adopted for improving law and order situation in the province.

Shahbaz said that besides training of police on modern lines and provision of latest weapons, a command and control system is also being established in the provincial metropolis at a cost of two billion rupees which would help apprehend the criminals and the miscreants.